Cocaine Use: Effects, Addiction & Treatment in Atlanta, GA

Cocaine is a highly addictive, euphoria-producing stimulant drug derived from the coca leaf grown mainly in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. Widely distributed as a white, crystalline powder, cocaine can be snorted, smoked, rubbed into the gums, or dissolved in water and then injected into the user’s veins. Meanwhile, “crack” cocaine is smoked, either alone or in combination with tobacco or marijuana. 

Cocaine affects the body’s central nervous system by increasing neurotransmitter activity inside the brain, which makes the user feel more awake, attentive, and confident.¹ Slang terms for cocaine include coke, blow, snow, nose candy, and marching powder. 

Stimulant drugs are defined as Schedule II drugs by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, meaning they have a high potential for abuse, with use potentially leading to psychological or physical dependence.² After heavy or prolonged use of cocaine, the brain tends to grow reliant on the drug for the regulation of cognitive function and focus.³

Cocaine vs Crack Cocaine  

Cocaine and crack cocaine are similar in that both are derived from the coca leaf and produce similar effects of alertness and confidence. However, the two substances differ in terms of their potency, the duration of their effects, and their methods of use. 

Crack cocaine is the street name given to the form of cocaine that has been processed with baking soda or some other alkaline substance to create rock crystal. When heated, this rock crystal produces vapors that are smoked. (The term “crack” refers to the crackling sound the rock crystal makes as it’s heated.) This process removes impurities, creating a more concentrated form of the drug, resulting in a shorter but more potent “rush.”

Cocaine was first introduced to the Western world in the 1800s, as many physicians considered it a cure for a host of physical and mental ailments. Today, cocaine in its powdered form remains popular as a “party drug,” used widely at gatherings, raves, or music concerts. Crack cocaine, meanwhile, emerged as a drug of abuse in the mid-1980s, devastating inner city communities in New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Miami.  

Cocaine is often abused in combination with alcohol, which increases the severity of both substances’ side effects and heightens the risk of overdose. Medical researchers have found that the human liver combines cocaine and alcohol to produce a third substance, cocaethylene, which intensifies cocaine’s euphoric effects. Cocaethylene is associated with a greater risk of sudden death than cocaine alone.⁴  

Cocaine and crack cocaine are sometimes abused in binges—taken repeatedly within a relatively short span of time, often at increasingly higher doses. This can lead to addiction, along with a large number of other negative health effects.⁵ The signs of addiction to cocaine include:⁶ 

• Developing tolerance to cocaine, requiring more of the drug to achieve the desired effects 
• Stopping cocaine usually results in withdrawal symptoms (such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, agitation, or depression), and these symptoms can be relieved by using cocaine again 
• Using cocaine in large amounts whenever possible, or an inability to “save some for later” 
• Inability to successfully reduce the amount of cocaine one is using 
• Spending an inappropriate amount of time and energy obtaining and using cocaine, or engaging in unlawful activities such as shoplifting or burglary to obtain money to buy more cocaine 
• Inability to keep a job while using cocaine 
• Continually using cocaine despite knowing one will develop mental symptoms, such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions, or continually using cocaine despite medical consequences such as anemia or seizures

Generally, cocaine’s effects are similar to those of other stimulants. However, the speed and intensity with which these effects occur contribute to its physical and psychological risks.  

Cocaine’s effects can vary depending on the method of use, as faster modes of delivery, such as smoking or injection, lead to more rapid-onset effects. The effects of using cocaine include:^1,5  

• Paranoia 
• Dilated pupils 
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure 
• Insomnia 
• Loss of appetite 
• Irregular heartbeat 
• Stroke 

The effects of cocaine differ depending on the method of use, with snorting, smoking, and injection all carrying unique risks. For example, snorting can erode nasal tissue, while smoking can damage the lungs. Injection of cocaine, meanwhile, increases the risk of contracting infections like HIV/AIDS and other blood-borne diseases.⁵

Can You Overdose on Cocaine?  

Yes, it is possible to overdose on cocaine. With regular use, the user can develop a tolerance to the drug so that increasingly higher or more frequent doses are required to feel the desired rush. At the same time, people can also develop sensitization, in which less cocaine is needed to produce negative effects like anxiety and convulsions. This simultaneous tolerance to cocaine reward and sensitization to its toxicity increases the risk of cocaine overdose.  

Also, adulteration of cocaine with highly potent fentanyl and related substances such as heroin increases the risk of possibly fatal overdose.7  

Cocaine overdose signs include:⁸ 

• Hypertension 
• Chest pain 
• Nosebleed 
• Headache 
• Paranoia 
• Seizure 
• Hyperthermia 
• Severe agitation, restlessness, or confusion 
• Blurring of vision 
• Corneal ulceration, vision loss 
• Diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain

When someone has developed a physical or psychological dependence on cocaine, stopping use can result in uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms. In fact, withdrawal symptoms can occur even if the user still has some of the drug in their system.  

When a regular user of cocaine stops taking the drug, a “crash” follows almost immediately. Characterized by fatigue and irritability, this crash also involves strong cravings for more of the drug. Other common cocaine withdrawal symptoms include:⁹  

• Agitation, restlessness 
• Fatigue 
• Depression 
• General discomfort 
• Increased appetite 
• Vivid and unpleasant dreams 
• Slowing of activity (psychomotor retardation) 

Recovery from cocaine addiction does not typically require a medically supervised detox, as withdrawal from cocaine is not dangerous. However, if someone requires treatment for alcohol use disorder (AUD) in addition to cocaine addiction, a medically supervised detox program that can safely manage withdrawal symptoms is recommended.

Cocaine addiction can be treated in various settings, though it should always start with detox, the process of ridding the substance from the body. Cocaine detox typically takes between three and seven days.  

Following detox, the patient typically moves through one or more addiction treatment programs designed to help them develop life skills and avoid relapse. These treatments include partial hospitalization (PHP), intensive outpatient (IOP), and outpatient (OP).   

Some addiction treatment programs offer a host of research-based behavioral therapies in combination with Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), which utilizes prescription medications, if necessary, to ease the process of withdrawal. And many addiction treatment plans offer dual diagnosis treatment, a therapeutic approach that simultaneously addresses both the addiction as well as any co-occurring mental health disorders.  

Finding an appropriate cocaine treatment plan depends on the patient’s health history, the substance to which they are addicted, the length of their addiction, and other individual needs.

At Empowered Recovery Center, we offer a holistic approach to cocaine addiction treatment that focuses on addressing the root causes of addiction and providing the necessary tools for lasting recovery. Our personalized treatment plans include:

• Individualized Therapy: Our licensed therapists provide one-on-one counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction. We help clients explore the underlying issues contributing to substance abuse and develop coping strategies for a drug-free life.
• Group Therapy: Connecting with others facing similar challenges can be incredibly beneficial. Our group therapy sessions provide a supportive and empathetic environment where clients can share experiences, learn from others, and build a strong network of recovery allies.
• Family Counseling: Cocaine addiction affects the individual and their loved ones. We offer family counseling to help repair relationships, educate family members about addiction, and create a supportive home environment for lasting recovery.
• Aftercare Planning: Recovery is an ongoing journey. We work with clients to create a comprehensive aftercare plan that includes relapse prevention strategies, ongoing therapy, and support group recommendations to help maintain sobriety.

What Sets Our Atlanta Cocaine Rehab Apart 

By choosing Empowered Recovery Center, a potential client is not only selecting a facility; they are choosing a dedicated partner in their journey to a healthier, addiction-free life.

• Experienced Professionals: Our staff includes licensed therapists, medical professionals, and addiction specialists with years of experience in the field.
• Personalized Care: We recognize that every individual’s journey to recovery is unique. Our treatment plans are tailored to meet specific needs and circumstances.
• Safe and Comfortable Environment: Safety and comfort are our top priorities. Our modern and welcoming facilities provide a peaceful setting for healing and recovery. We have a number of accreditations reflect our commitment to quality and safety.
• Proven Success: We have a track record of helping individuals break free from cocaine addiction and achieve lasting recovery.

At Empowered Recovery Center in Atlanta, we empower our patients with the education and skills they need to effect a lasting, positive change in their lives. Our cocaine addiction treatment will guide you through the challenges of long-term recovery.  

We offer a range of rehab programs to suit your unique needs. These include partial hospitalization programs (PHP), intensive outpatient programs (IOP), and outpatient (OP) rehab. All programs include one full year of free recovery coaching to provide continued support once you’ve completed your program.  

Concerned about the cost of treatment? We accept most major insurance plans. We can also work with most out-of-network plans to ensure you get help. From verifying your benefits to going over the details of payment to make sure you know what to expect to pay for rehab—including using insurance to pay for rehab—our admissions team is happy to help. If you’d like to learn more about our comprehensive, individualized cocaine addiction treatment, contact us today or fill out a contact form.

References

1. Drug Enforcement Administration (2022). Drug Fact Sheet: Cocaine. Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.dea.gov/sites/default/files/2023-03/Cocaine%202022%20Drug%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf 
2. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (n.d.) Drug Scheduling. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.dea.gov/drug-information/drug-scheduling 
3. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2021). Prescription Stimulant Misuse and Prevention Among Youth and Young Adults. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved January 17, 2025, from https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/pep21-06-01-003.pdf 
4. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2002). Effects of concurrent use of alcohol and cocaine. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12133112/ 
5. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2013). Information for Behavioral Health Providers in Primary Care: Cocaine. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://www.mirecc.va.gov/cih-visn2/Documents/Provider_Education_Handouts/Cocaine_Information_Sheet_for_BHPs_Version_3.pdf 
6. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (1999). Cocaine and Psychiatric Symptoms. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC181074/ 
7. National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024). Cocaine. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/cocaine 
8. U.S. National Library of Medicine. (2023). Cocaine Toxicity. National Institutes of Health. Retrieved January 16, 2025, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430976/
9. MedLine Plus. (2023). Cocaine withdrawal. National Library of Medicine. Retrieved January 15, 2025, from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000947.htm